MOTORING NEWS - Honda Motor Europe was in full attendance at last weekend's Glemseck 101 in Leonberg, Germany, showing eight customised motorbikes and participating in the event's 'Sprint International' 1/8th mile invitational race.
Four of the machines are based on Honda's current model line-up. There is a CBR1000RR Fireblade SP, sharpened up and stripped back in preparation for Glemseck's Sprint International race.
It features WSB-style aluminium rear sub frame and carbon fibre fairings, a longer swing arm and aluminium fuel tank (both derived from Honda's endurance racing programme), a shorter final drive, bespoke crank case covers and full titanium Akrapovic exhaust.
Three-time world champion Freddie Spencer piloted the re-worked Fireblade in the Sprint International with a trip down memory lane, with a run alongside his erstwhile rival Kevin Schwantz.
Two versions of the neo-retro classic CB1100 were also on display: the first a fully blacked-out version of the current CB1100 EX, made in collaboration with Milan-based customising company South Garage.
The matt-black tank, blacked-out engine, clutch covers and wheels create the overall mood; while low-slung clip-on bars, radial master cylinder and short tail section give it the café racer edge. Miniature LED indicators, new headlight and matching diamond-patterned leather seat and tyre tread add a touch of elegance, in keeping with the appeal of the CB1100 EX.
The first mass production superbike, the CB750, is a long-standing favourite that was also shown at Glemseck.
The second version is the CB1100 TR concept, created entirely in-house by Honda's Rome-based R&D design team to convey the emotion and excitement of USA flat track culture.
It was developed as the 'King of Urban Flat Track Circuits' - a counterpoint to the off-road oval circuit look of the traditional flat tracker, with a street-orientated design familiar to European customers.
An ultra-modern urban 'scrambler' version of the 500cc A2 licence-friendly Rebel rounds out the four customisations of current models.
It has seen full order books across Europe since its arrival at the start of the 2017 season. It is fitted with big-block tyres, oversized brake discs and a handmade 'lobster'-welded bespoke exhaust.
The look is embellished by references to BMX and skateboard culture and Motocross influences.
One of the bikes from Kingston Customs of Gelsenkirchen sporting the full Café Racer treatment.
Other bikes on display drew on Honda's uniquely rich and varied manufacturing history.
• The world's first mass production superbike, the CB750, is a longstanding favourite. It was given a raw, naked re-imagining by Billy Mackenzie, an ex-MX1 level moto-crosser. His black-and-red version of the CB750 showcased the clean lines of the frame and the seminal air-cooled in-line 4 engine, without interfering with the perfect proportions of the base machine.
• The CX500, with a transversely-mounted V twin engine, is another favourite among customisers. Two CX500's made by Kingston Customs of Gelsenkirchen were on display at the Honda stand. Both have been given the full Café Racer treatment, one of them using the well-known turbo-charged version of this classic Honda of the late 70s and early 80s as a base.
• The 'joker' in the pack was a CB250G made by Munich-based customiser Black Beans. It is the result of a painstaking re-build of a 'barn treasure' machine. New carburettors and muffler were fitted, creating a deep exhaust note. New brakes, footrests and shock mounts were added. The overall aesthetic is minimalist, elegant and quirky.
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